Ottawa firefighters rescue baby bird after fall from nest in Orléans

A baby merlin before being returned to his nest. (Ottawa Fire Services/X)

Ottawa firefighters were called to help return a young bird of prey to its nest last weekend.

Ottawa Fire Services public information officer Nick Defazio says crews were called to Esprit Drive at approximately 8:16 a.m. Sunday in Orléans after receiving a request for assistance from a wildlife rehabilitator.

The young merlin had fallen down a 30 foot tall tree and had been separated from its nest, Defazio says.

The wildlife specialist had a ladder with them but it was not tall enough to reach the necessary height. A tower truck from Station 53 was dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters set up an aerial apparatus and were able to safely return the merlin to its nest high above to be reunited with its sibling.

“The specialist warned our Firefighters that Mom, who was circling above, may nosedive down at them so they made sure to wear their helmets,” Defazio said.

“Thankfully, no Firefighters were injured in the process.”

A licenced bird specialist from Safe Wings Ottawa conducted a health assessment and confirmed the bird had no injuries or health concerns from the fall.

“We’d like to thank the concerned resident who made the initial call seeking help, and the licensed bird specialist from Safe Wings Ottawa, who arrived on scene as our crews were setting up,” Defazio said.

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